BLOG

Real people: How Cookers Appeal helped Michael

Our Cookers for Christmas Appeal will help individuals like Michael who became homeless and spent months living on poor quality food before receiving a cooker.

Michael, who is 57, was shocked when Sheriff Officers turned up at his rented flat to tell him he had 60 minutes to get out as his landlord had defaulted on the mortgage.

He was homeless for three months - first living in a hostel, which he says was awful and felt like prison. He was then moved to another one.

Michael, who is disabled following a stroke, had to wait for a specially adapted house. He was over the moon when one came up but was disappointed when he turned up to find a bare, empty shell with yellow walls and no carpets.

Fresh Start stepped into help him with goods for the house and carpets, but after months living on poor quality food, it was the cooker that meant most to him.

Michael told us: “It meant I could cook proper meals, rather than living on microwave meals and takeaways. The first meal I had on it was soup. It’s really important to be able to cook to get a good variety of food and all your vegetables. It’s much cheaper too.”

He added: “Without the support of Fresh Start I would have struggled to make the house a home. Now I’ve been here two and half years and am very happy.”

Help us to help other individuals and families in Edinburgh. Donate to our #cookersforchristmas appeal through our Just Giving page